IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Process/ Procedure Report Writing Layout
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9/17/20257 min read
IELTS Writing Task 1 (Academic)
What you do: Describe visual information (a graph, chart, table, map, process, or diagram) in at least 150 words.
Purpose: Show that you can identify key trends, compare data, and give an overview in formal academic writing.
Time: 20 minutes (recommended).
Marking: Based on Task Achievement, Coherence & Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range & Accuracy.
The main types of questions you may get include:
1. Graphs & Charts
Line Graphs → show changes over time (trends).
Example: Population growth between 2000 and 2020.Bar Charts → compare quantities.
Example: Number of students in different subjects.Pie Charts → show proportions/percentages.
Example: Market share of companies.Tables → detailed numerical information.
Example: Unemployment rates in different countries.2. Maps
Show changes in locations or layouts over time.
Example: A city map in 1990 compared with 2020.
3. Processes / Diagrams
Process Diagrams → explain stages of something (natural or man-made).
Examples: How coffee is produced / How a volcano erupts.Cycle Diagrams → repeating processes.
Example: Water cycle, life cycle of a butterfly.
4. Mixed / Multiple Data
A combination of two or more visuals (e.g., a bar chart + a pie chart).
You must compare across different formats.
The Writing Layout
PROCESS / PROCEDURE QUESTIONS — BAND 8+ OUTLINE
Paragraph 1 — Introduction
Aim:
Paraphrase what the diagram shows in one clear sentence.
For a manufacturing process:
The diagram illustrates the process by which [product] is manufactured/produced from [raw material].
For a natural process:
The diagram illustrates the life cycle of [animal/plant], showing the various stages of its development.
For a technical process:
The diagram illustrates how [product/electricity/material] is produced through a series of stages.
For two related diagrams:
The diagrams illustrate the processes involved in [process 1] and [process 2].
Paragraph 2 — Overview
Aim:
Give the examiner the big picture.
Before writing the overview, ask:
1. Is it linear or cyclical?
2. How many main stages are there?
3. Where does it begin?
4. Where does it end?
5. What are the major phases?
6. Is there an important transformation?
7. Does the process return to its starting point?
A. Linear Process
Use:
Overall, this is a linear process comprising [number/several] stages, beginning with [first stage] and culminating in [final stage].
Add a second sentence if there is an important feature:
The process involves several stages of [heating/filtering/crushing/chemical treatment/etc.] before the final product is obtained.
B. Cyclical Process
Use:
Overall, this is a cyclical process comprising several stages, beginning with [starting point] and eventually returning to the initial stage.
Or:
Overall, the process consists of several stages of development, with the final stage leading back to the beginning of the cycle.
Important:
For a cycle, always show the relationship between the beginning and the end.
C. Two Processes / Two Diagrams
Use:
Overall, [Process A] is a [number]-stage process, whereas [Process B] involves only [number] stage(s). While the former begins with [X], the latter involves [Y].
Paragraph 3 — FIRST HALF OF THE PROCESS
Aim:
Describe the first group of stages in the correct order.
Start naturally:
The process begins with [first stage].
Then:
Next, [second stage].
Following this, [third stage].
The resulting [material/product] is then [next action].
At this stage, [next development].
Once this has occurred, [next stage].
Paragraph 4 — SECOND HALF OF THE PROCESS
Continue from where Paragraph 3 ends.
Useful openings:
The process then continues with...
At the next stage,...
The resulting [material] is subsequently...
This is followed by...
In the final stage,...
Eventually,...
For a cyclical process:
Eventually, [final stage], after which the cycle begins again.
QUICK PLANNING METHOD
Before writing, identify the following:
Question
Your Notes
TYPE
Linear / Cyclical
START
What happens first?
END
What happens last?
STAGES
How many?
INPUT
What material/product enters?
TRANSFORMATIONS
What happens to it?
OUTPUT
What is produced?
CYCLE
Does it return to the beginning?
AND 8+ PROCESS VOCABULARY
Sequencing
Instead of repeatedly using first, second, third, use:
· initially
· the process begins with
· next
· following this
· subsequently
· thereafter
· at the next stage
· once this has occurred
· this is followed by
· eventually
· finally
Do not force a linking word into every sentence.
Describing Addition
· is added to
· is mixed with
· is combined with
· is introduced into
Example:
Water is then added to the mixture.
Describing Movement
· is transferred to
· is transported to
· is pumped into
· passes through
· moves into
· is conveyed to
· is fed into
Describing Transformation
· is converted into
· is transformed into
· develops into
· is processed into
· results in
· produces
· gives rise to
Describing Physical Treatment
· is crushed
· is ground
· is filtered
· is washed
· is heated
· is cooled
· is dried
· is compressed
· is separated
· is shaped
· is packaged
PASSIVE VOICE
Manufacturing processes
The passive voice is usually very useful because the process is more important than the person performing the action.
Instead of:
❌ Workers crush the limestone.
Write:
✅ The limestone is crushed.
Instead of:
❌ Workers heat the mixture.
Write:
✅ The mixture is heated.
But don't use passive voice mechanically.
For natural processes, active structures can sound more natural:
The eggs hatch into tadpoles.
The tadpoles develop hind legs.
The tail gradually disappears.
PARAGRAPH-BUILDING FORMULA
Linear manufacturing process
Introduction
What is being produced?
↓
Overview
Linear + number of stages + beginning + ending
↓
Body 1
First half of stages
↓
Body 2
Second half of stages
Cyclical natural process
Introduction
What life cycle is shown?
↓
Overview
Cyclical + major stages + beginning/end relationship
↓
Body 1
Early stages of development
↓
Body 2
Later stages + return to beginning
GOLDEN RULES FOR PROCESS TASKS
Rule 1
Do not explain why something happens unless the diagram gives that information.
Rule 2
Do not add outside knowledge.
Rule 3
Describe every important stage, but don't describe every tiny visual detail.
Rule 4
Use precise verbs.
❌ The thing goes into another thing.
✅ The material is transferred to a heating chamber.
Rule 5
Use passive voice naturally for manufacturing processes.
Rule 6
For cycles, make the cycle explicit.
Rule 7
The overview should describe the big picture, not repeat the body paragraphs.
Rule 8
Don't sacrifice natural English for complicated vocabulary.
A clear sentence such as:
The mixture is then heated and subsequently filtered.
is better than an unnecessarily elaborate sentence that sounds memorised.
Sample Reports 8+ Band
Cambridge IELTS 19 Academic Writing Test 3 (Task 1)
The diagram illustrates the process by which ethanol, a type of biofuel, is produced from plants and trees.
Overall, this is a lengthy, cyclical process comprising several stages, beginning with the growth of plants and trees and culminating in the use of ethanol as a fuel. Interestingly, the carbon dioxide released at the end of the process is subsequently absorbed by plants, allowing the cycle to begin again.
On a closer look, it becomes evident that the whole operation commences with plants and trees growing by utilising energy from sunlight and carbon dioxide. In the next stage, the mature plants and trees are harvested and transported for pre-processing. Following this, the harvested material is cut into small pieces, producing cellulose. Later on, the cellulose undergoes chemical processing, during which it is converted into sugars. Thereafter, microbes are added to the sugars, resulting in the production of ethanol.
Subsequently, the ethanol is used as a fuel for various means of transport, including cars, trucks and aircraft. Consequently, carbon dioxide is released when the fuel is consumed. Eventually, this carbon dioxide is absorbed by growing plants and trees, thereby completing the cycle and providing the raw material required for another round of ethanol production.
Cambridge IELTS 16 Academic Writing Test 2 (Task 1)
The diagram illustrates the process by which sugar is manufactured from sugar cane.
Overall, this is a linear, seven-stage process comprising three broad phases: growing and harvesting the sugar cane, extracting and purifying its juice, and finally processing this juice to produce dry sugar. The entire procedure takes place over a period of approximately 12 to 18 months, with cultivation accounting for the longest stage.
On closer examination, it becomes evident that the whole operation commences with sugar cane being cultivated for between 12 and 18 months until it reaches maturity. In the next stage, the mature cane is harvested either manually or with the assistance of specialised machinery. Following this, the harvested cane is crushed in a mill, producing juice. Later on, the juice passes through a limestone filter, which purifies it. Thereafter, the purified liquid is heated in an evaporator, where the water is removed and the juice is transformed into syrup.
Subsequently, the syrup is placed in a centrifuge and spun at high speed, causing the sugar crystals to separate from the remaining liquid. Eventually, these crystals undergo a final drying and cooling stage, after which the finished sugar is ready for use.
Cambridge IELTS 16 Academic, Test 4, Task 1
The diagram illustrates the process by which used plastic bottles are recycled and subsequently transformed into new plastic products.
Overall, this is a lengthy, nine-stage, cyclical process comprising three broad phases: the collection and sorting of discarded bottles, the processing of recyclable plastic, and the manufacture of new products. The process begins with bottles being placed in recycling bins and ultimately results in a range of new items being produced from the recycled material.
On closer examination, it becomes evident that the whole operation commences with people placing used plastic bottles in designated recycling bins. In the next stage, the bottles are collected by a truck and transported to a recycling centre. Following this, they are sorted on a conveyor belt, with recyclable bottles being separated from those that cannot be processed. Later on, the selected bottles are compressed into large blocks. Thereafter, these blocks are crushed into small pieces, which are then thoroughly washed.
Subsequently, the clean plastic fragments are processed in a machine and converted into plastic pellets. These pellets are then heated to produce raw plastic material. Eventually, this material is used to manufacture a variety of end products, including bottles, containers, shopping bags, T-shirts and pencils. Once these products are used and discarded, recyclable plastic can re-enter the process, thereby completing the cycle.
Cambridge IELTS 20, Academic Writing Task 1
The diagram illustrates the process by which bamboo is transformed into fabric and subsequently used to manufacture clothing.
Overall, this is a linear, nine-stage process involving both mechanical and chemical treatments. It begins with the cultivation and harvesting of bamboo and culminates in the production of clothing, with the plant undergoing a series of transformations from solid stalks into fibres, then yarn and finally woven fabric.
On closer examination, it becomes evident that the whole operation commences with bamboo being planted in spring and left to grow until autumn, when the mature plants are cut down and collected. In the next stage, the bamboo stalks are cut into long, thin strips using industrial saws. Following this, the strips are crushed to produce a liquid pulp, which is subsequently filtered to separate the usable fibres from the remaining liquid. Later on, these fibres are softened by adding water and a chemical agent called amine oxide.
Thereafter, the softened fibres are spun to create yarn. Subsequently, the yarn is woven to produce bamboo fabric. Eventually, the finished fabric is supplied to the clothing industry, where it is used to manufacture various garments, including T-shirts and socks.
